GERONTOLOGY PRACTITIONER CERTIFICATE: PROGRAM EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT

摘要

This poster presents the results of a program evaluation of a multidisciplinary, continuing education-based program designed to extend the understanding of the process of aging and issues faced in older adulthood. The program involves a minimum of 100 continuing education (CE) hours within a four-year period to obtain certification. With the certificate program nearing the completion of the first five-year cohort, it was an ideal time to complete a formal evaluation of its effectiveness. Initially intended to be a black-box evaluation to answer if and why the program worked, the Kirkpatrick Model was used as a guide for an evaluation aimed to identify a profile of the participants as well as their satisfaction and perceived benefits and barriers. Using elements from an initial interview with the primary stakeholder, it was soon clear that a theory-driven evaluation was necessary to address how the program worked to properly address recommendations. Sources of data included a database of participant demographics and other information collected at enrollment, a satisfaction survey, and an exit survey. After an analysis of the data, recommendations were made to continue the program’s level of success moving forward, help expand the program’s reach and diversity, and to close gaps that were revealed throughout the evaluation process. The evaluation process and its findings can benefit others that wish to implement and/or evaluate similar programs. As the number of older adults continues to rise, providing such education will help ensure an adequate and competent workforce for older adults and their families.